Black currant: useful properties and contraindications

Black currant shrubbery fruits are widely distributed in our country. Popularly used is jam, compote, kissel, juice, and no one will refuse to regale themselves with fresh berries.

The plant belongs to the gooseberry family and reaches a height of up to 1-1.5 m.

How black currants differ from red currants

1. Black currants, unlike red currants, have a more pronounced aroma and a sweet taste.
2. Black currants contain 4 times more vitamin C.
3. The shrub with black berries has an average life span of 7 years, for red currants this figure is higher - 10-12 years.
4. Black currant shrub is propagated by cuttings, red - by division.
5. The nutritional value of red and black currants is 38 and 45 kcal, respectively.
6. The name of the fruit tells about the difference in color.

What is more useful: black or red currants

The black currant berry surpasses its red relative in the number of important components. This is due to the significant concentration of vitamin C in the fruit of the shrub. For this reason, berries have found great use in folk and traditional medicine. They are used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

But you should not consume a large amount of fruit, there are serious contraindications, which will be discussed below.

How many black currants can be eaten per day

Currants fruits have low calories and good tolerance. It is difficult to say how many berries can be eaten in one day. Experts recommend proceeding in this matter from the amount of natural sugar that is contained in the fruit.

A healthy person is allowed to consume up to 25 grams of natural sugar per day. This amount of fructose is contained in 6 cups of currants, that is, you should not deny yourself a healthy treat. A person with excessive body weight, as well as diabetics is recommended to limit the consumption of sugar to 15 g, which corresponds to 4 cups of currants.

It is important to understand that this amount of fructose is allowed as long as currants are the only source of natural sugar.

Is it possible to eat at night

If you have a strong desire for a late night snack, you can afford some berries, but you should not load the stomach 2-3 hours before bedtime. In addition, the fruit of the bush contains substances that can increase the acidity of the stomach, and the skins and seeds of currants are difficult to digest.

Composition and calories

The composition of the berry includes a huge number of important components with a relatively small nutritional value. 100 g of berries contain vitamin C - 200 mg, iron - 1.3 mg, potassium - 372 mg. The caloric value is 45 kcal.

The chemical composition of berries is represented by:

• vitamins A, C, B, D, E, PP;
• pectins;
• natural sugar;
• essential oil;
• salts of phosphorus;
• iron;
• potassium.

Shrub leaves contain vitamins, macro- and microelements as well as essential oil.

Useful properties of black currant

General benefits

How the product is useful:

• Prevents bile stasis and speeds up the elimination of fluid;
• Normalizes heart function, strengthens blood vessels;
• Used for the prevention of heart attack;
• Has a positive effect on brain function;
• eliminates bowel problems;
• Reduces inflammation and promotes regeneration of damaged cells;
• regulates the level of glucose;
• calms the nervous system;
• Reduces the detrimental effects of radioactive elements;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• Prevents the growth of cancer cells.

For women

Currants are a natural gift, which has a favorable effect on the health of the fair sex.

Useful properties:

1. The use of berries during the course of diseases of the urogenital system contributes to the most rapid recovery by reducing the inflammatory process.
2. Currant juice prevents the growth of cancer cells, it is used as a prophylactic of malignant growths on the cervix.
3. The component anthocyanin helps to reduce dark circles under the eyes.
4. Currant essential oil contains a significant concentration of vegetable fats, which have a beneficial effect on the skin.
5. Cosmetics with berry extracts give the hair a healthy look.
6. Currants are useful during the premenstrual syndrome and menopause, because they regulate the hormones in women.
7. During menstruation there is a decrease in painful symptoms.

For men.

Benefits of the berry:

• Contributes to reducing the likelihood of rheumatism;
• Strengthens the walls of blood vessels and normalizes heart function;
• Reduces the likelihood of a heart attack;
• Reduces the growth of malignant tumors;
• Is the prevention of prostate diseases.

During pregnancy

A pregnant woman's body is under double strain. For the full development of a new life, a huge number of important components is needed. Since the composition of berries contains a lot of chemical elements, you should not refuse a useful treat. In addition, shrubs are ubiquitous, so the berries have an acceptable cost.

The positive effect of the fruit on the body during the period of carrying a child:

• Is the prevention of colds;
• contains folic acid, which ensures full-fledged intrauterine development;
• maintains the necessary level of hemoglobin and prevents the development of anemia;
• speeds up the excretion of excess fluid and thus prevents the appearance of edema;
• strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
• regulates the amount of sugar;
• Prevents the stagnation of bile and formation of stones;
• flushes out cholesterol;
• Prevents gaining extra pounds;
• lifts your mood and prevents the development of depression.

You should refrain from eating berries if you develop allergies, dilated veins, abnormal blood clotting, increased acidity of gastric juice, stomach and intestinal ulcers, liver disease, and constipation.

When breastfeeding

Include in the body of a new mother berries currants should be used with caution. The vitamin C content of which is higher than that of citrus fruits, can cause allergic reactions in the infant. However, this does not imply a complete rejection of the use of black currants. To begin with, you should try to eat a few berries and within a day observe the reaction of the child's body. If the baby has a good mood and clean skin, then the mother can continue to enjoy the useful berry.

The fruit of the shrub is useful during lactation due to the high content of vitamins, iron, potassium, manganese, fluoride and many other micronutrients necessary for a nursing woman.

For kids

Include black currants in the child's diet should not be included until the baby is 9 months old. You should start with one berry, gradually increasing the rate, provided that there are no allergic reactions.

The use of berries has a number of positive effects on a child's body:

• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes the level of iron;
• improves mood;
• Improves the cardiovascular system;
• strengthens the nervous system.

Consumption of the fruit of the shrub is not allowed with high acidity of gastric juice, abnormal blood clotting, allergic reactions and individual intolerance.

When losing weight

Due to their low natural sugar content, diuretic properties and low nutritional value, the fruit of the shrub is highly valued by adherents of a healthy diet.

The dietary fiber that the berries contain normalizes metabolism while increasing metabolism. Experts have found that the components of currants reduce the process of fat accumulation. It is well burned during physical activity. This happens by increasing blood circulation and saturation of cells and tissues with oxygen.

Experts do not recommend abusing the amount of fructose during weight loss. The maximum norm should not exceed 25 g per day, which is equivalent to 6 cups of eaten berries a day (provided that other sources of natural sugar will not be consumed).

What are the benefits of black currant leaves

The leaves of the shrub are no less valuable than the fruit. Their peculiarity is that they retain their flavor even after drying. Due to the concentration of important components, the leaves are used to prevent and treat many ailments, such as arthritis, rheumatism, liver problems, itching and skin damage in particular.

Leaf tea benefits

1. Tea drink made from currant leaves contains an impressive amount of ascorbic acid, which increases the resistance of the immune system and prevents the development of colds, and has an overall strengthening effect.
2. The drink is able to eliminate the inflammatory process and reduce the harmful effects of nicotine on the body.
3. Tea consumption in the early stages of the flu contributes to a significant relief of the disease.
4. The drink contains iron and helps to eliminate anemia.
5. The inclusion of currant tea in the daily diet prevents the aging process of the skin and improves the condition of the hair.

For the preparation of the drink, both fresh and dried leaves are suitable. 25 g of leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water and let stand for about 25-30 minutes. You can diversify the taste of the drink with sugar, honey or fresh berries.

Black currant oil: properties and use

Oil is made from the raw material that remains after the processing of berries. The remaining cake contains an impressive proportion of seeds, which include fatty acids. Healing agent obtained from the berry of the shrub, has found wide application in medicine and cosmetology.

Oil properties:

• improves brain function;
• Reduces the growth of malignant tumors;
• Restores metabolic processes;
• Is a diuretic, choleretic agent;
• Accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues;
• Increases blood clotting and eliminates inflammation.

The oil is used for such diseases:

• senile dementia;
• skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.)
• rheumatism;
• anemia;
• abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels;
• cholecystitis.

Applications in cosmetology:

1. Reduces inflammation and moisturizes the skin.
2. Nourishes hair follicles and restores hair health.
3. Helps eliminate pigmentation, scars, scars and small folds.

Benefits of blackcurrant preserves

Not only fresh fruits are useful for health, but also preparations made from currants. In addition, they allow you to use a delicacy throughout the year.

Jam

Useful properties:

• helps to improve the general condition;
• elevates the mood;
• dilates blood vessels and purifies the blood flow;
• Restores appetite and stimulates the metabolism;
• gently removes excess fluid from the body;
• strengthens the immune system.

The product can be used during weight loss, as the fruit of the shrub promotes the removal of toxins and slags.

Diabetic patients should refuse the treat because of the significant amount of sugar.

Kissel

Useful properties:

• Cleanses the body of toxic substances;
• Promotes rapid digestion of foods eaten;
• eliminates the symptoms of colds at the initial stage of the disease;
• Has a positive effect on the digestive system.

Mors

Useful properties:

1. Quenches thirst and removes toxins.
2. Because of the lack of lengthy heat treatment transfers all the benefits of raw materials from which it is made.

Compote

Compote from the healing berry of the shrub contains an impressive amount of useful substances. Because of this, the drink has a positive effect on many diseases.

Properties of the compote:

• Neutralizes the reduced acidity of the stomach in gastritis;
• Normalizes the work of the urinary tract and kidneys;
• Helps with vitamin deficiency;
• eliminates thirst.

Wine

Properties of currant wine drink:

• Warms the body in case of hypothermia;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• calms the nervous system;
• maintains proper glucose levels;
• normalizes cholesterol levels;
• Improves appetite;
• dilates blood vessels.

Black currant in medicine

The fruit has found wide application in medicine due to its rich composition and healing properties.

For diabetes.

The berries have a low glycemic index (about 20 units), so they can be used in the case of diabetes. Currants do not contribute to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, so they do not harm the body.

Shrubbery fruits normalize the work of the pancreas, kidneys and intestines. Patients are better to give preference to fresh berries and juices and compotes made from them without added sugar. Jams, jams and other sugary foods should be completely avoided.

In pancreatitis

Specialists allow the inclusion of berries in the diet of a patient with pancreatitis, but with extreme caution. It is based on the following facts:

1. The seeds and hard peel of black currant fruits are rough foods that can irritate the walls of the stomach and increase the load on the pancreas.
2. A large amount of ascorbic acid increases the acidity of the gastric juice.

It is allowed to use pre filtered juices, compotes, kissels, decoctions, infusions of currants. In drinks should be completely absent solid berry residues.

Particular attention should be paid to the freshness of berries. Spoiled fruits can cause a painful attack, followed by the onset of the acute stage of the disease and forced hospitalization.

The day the patient is allowed to eat no more than 400 ml of compote, kissel or decoction of berries, juice or infusion - no more than 100 ml. Concentrated drinks are inadmissible, they must be diluted with water.

With gastritis

When the stomach acidity is low, it is allowed to include black currants in the diet. From berries make all kinds of drinks: kissel, compote, decoction, infusion and juice. They help to normalize the acid environment and eliminate unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

When the disease is characterized by increased acidity, the use of berries and all products made from them is prohibited.

During the course of the acute form of the ailment, you should also refuse to eat the fruit of the bush.

For the intestines

Black currants have a favorable effect on the intestines:

• eliminates the inflammatory process and damaged tissue of the walls of the organ;
• removes toxic substances and toxic compounds;
• Inhibits the reproduction of pathogenic microbes;
• Gets rid of bloating and flatulence.

With constipation.

If you are prone to constipation, it is better to limit the use of fresh berries, because they contribute to the consolidation of stools. This is due to the high content of seeds and tough rinds in the fruit.

Allowed in the diet of weak compotes, decoctions, kissels. Concentrated juices are recommended to dilute with water, the drink should be translucent.

With gout

The substances included in the composition of black currants help to gently eliminate uric acid from the body and prevent its accumulation. Due to this ability, the use of the berry is shown to patients with gouty arthritis.

Recipe with currants for attacks
Grate 25 g of berries with 50 g of sugar. Use three tablespoons per day.

The leaves of the shrub are also used to improve the condition of the patient. To this end, 25 g of crushed fresh leaves (can be replaced by dried) pour a glass of boiling water and insist 40-60 minutes. It is recommended to drink 0.5 cup of the drink three times a day before meals.

For the liver

The liver is an important organ of the digestive system, on the state of which depends largely on the overall health of the person. Doctors recommend eating currants because of the large amount of useful substances it contains. Glucose helps to increase the amount of glycogen in the liver and normalizes the repair process of the damaged tissue of the organ. Thanks to the diuretic and choleretic properties improves the tone of the liver.

Because of the large amount of ascorbic acid, it is recommended to refuse to use currants for hepatitis.

In cholecystitis

Black currants in inflammation of the gallbladder can reduce pain and reduce the growth of pathogenic microbes. Fresh fruits and drinks made from them can be used as an aid. Cholecystitis is a dangerous disease that should be treated with the advice of your doctor.

Since the berry has choleretic properties, its inclusion in the diet reduces the likelihood of the development of cholelithiasis.

Recipes of folk medicine based on black currant

Proponents of folk treatment method highly appreciate the healing abilities of black currant fruits. There is a huge number of recipes that can significantly alleviate the condition of the patient. However, it is desirable to apply all prescriptions after consultation with a doctor. As a rule, self-treatment slows the healing process.

Recipe for an infusion at the first symptoms of a cold

25 g of fresh currants pour a glass of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse. After two hours you can take a drink. It is recommended to drink the decoction three times a day for half a glass.

Recipe for gout

25 grams of shrub leaves, pour 200 grams of hot water. After standing, strain with gauze and take 100 ml 2-3 times a day.

Decoction made from currants

50 g of washed fresh or frozen berries put in a saucepan. Add 500 ml of liquid and cook over low heat for about 25 minutes. Take the broth three times a day for half a cup.

Decoction to relieve swelling

Grind 50 g of fresh currant leaves (dried can be used) and put in a saucepan. Add 500 ml of liquid to the leaves, bring to the boil and turn off the stove. Let the broth infuse for at least two hours, then you can begin to apply the strained infusion. To do this, soak a soft cloth or gauze in the prepared decoction and apply to the problem area.

Black currant in cosmetology

Berries are used not only to strengthen the body from the inside, but also to improve the appearance. Black currant is so widely used because of its rich composition, which determines the important properties for cosmetology:

1. Promotes cleansing and rejuvenation of skin cells.
2. Reduces the development of inflammation and fights acne very well.
3. Reduces skin pigmentation.
4. Removes dark circles under the eyes.
5. Nourishes the scalp and improves the appearance of hair, as well as prevents hair loss.

At home you can prepare effective remedies for facial skin care and improve hair structure.

For face

Classical mask
Rinse thoroughly 50 grams of fresh berries and crush with a fork or pass through a meat grinder. The resulting porridge applied to the skin of the face. In 10 minutes rinse.

A classic mask makes the skin look fresh and helps to reduce freckles.

For dry skin
Ingredients:

• berries - 15 g;
• olive oil - 15 ml;
• 15 ml.

Pick the berries, rinse and with a blender whip them into a puree. To the resulting pulp add the remaining ingredients. Thoroughly mix until homogeneous. Massage the mask on skin without touching the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips, wait 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.

Scrub
Ingredients:

• berries - 15 gr;
• ground coffee - 15 gr;
• sour cream - 15 ml.

Crush the berries (it is not necessary to achieve homogeneity) and mix the resulting pulp with the other ingredients. Apply the composition to the skin and make gentle massaging movements for a few minutes, then rinse.

This recipe is universal. It is suitable for both face and body. The scrub has a massaging effect, the ability to lighten problem areas and remove keratinized skin particles.

For Hair

Restorative mask
Ingredients:

• Yeast - 1 sachet (11 g);
• black currant - 100 gr;
• egg yolk - 1 pc;
• honey - 20 gr.

Method of preparation: Convert berries into mush with a fork or meat grinder. Dissolve yeast in 30 ml of water and let it stay for 5 minutes. Combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting mixture to your scalp and hair. After 10-15 minutes, rinse your head.

Excellent effect on the condition of the hair has the use of oil, made from the fruit of the shrub. It can be found in drugstores or cosmetic stores.

The properties of the oil for hair:

• revitalization;
• strengthening;
• eliminating dandruff and dry scalp;
• Reducing severity of the ends;
• nutrition of hair follicles;
• Elimination of damage, getting rid of itching and inflammation;
• Giving hair shine and a renewed look.

Masks for Shine

1. Apply currant oil to the entire length of the hair, put on a cellophane cap and soak for an hour. You can add a few drops of calendula and almond oils to improve the effect. After the allotted time, rinse the hair 2 times, as the oil is hard to rinse out in the root zone.
2. Combine oils of currant, almond, grape, peach and mango in equal proportions. Warm up a little and apply to the root zone and the whole length of hair. Wrap your head in cellophane wrap or towel. Leave the mixture on overnight. In the morning, shampoo your head thoroughly and fix the effect with balm.

Oil of currant has contraindications. It can cause allergic reactions, so before using it, it is recommended to test a few drops on a small area of the skin. If within 20 minutes there is no redness and itching, you can continue using it.

Harm and contraindications

If you observe moderation in the use of currants, then the berry will not bring any harm to a healthy body.

However, it is not recommended to use the fruit of the shrub in the following cases:

• In the case of thrombophlebitis;
• Increased acidity of gastric juice;
• all types of hepatitis;
• gastric ulcer;
• Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Caution should be exercised when using berries during pregnancy and lactation. In the diet of a nursing woman berry should be introduced gradually, starting with a few berries. If the infant has no allergic reactions, the amount of fruit increases.

Collection and storage

1. It is best to harvest fruits grown on proven plots. Gather berries from the bush is recommended in dry weather, wet currants will spoil faster.
2. Berries are collected in stages, this is due to their uneven ripening.
3. On young shrubs, berry ripening is faster than on older plants.
4. It is best to put the harvested berries temporarily in a box made of wood, but in the near future be sure to pick, wash and dry them. This will ensure long-term storage of the fruit.

For longer storage, currants are used to make jams, compotes, confitures, jams. Preparations can be stored for up to two years. It is recommended to sign the year and month of manufacture of a particular product.

Grated with sugar fresh berries are very popular. They are easy to prepare, the process does not require cooking, and the useful properties are retained in full. For cooking, you need to use fruit and sugar in the proportion of 2:1, respectively. The berries should be crushed, mixed with sugar and stored in the refrigerator. Sugar in this case plays the role of a natural preservative, prolonging the shelf life of the dish. It is important to use only the freshest berries for this way of storing berries, otherwise the "raw jam" can quickly go bad. Cooked with all the recommendations can be stored for up to several weeks.

Can I freeze

Berries can be frozen. To do this, the fruits are carefully selected, washed and dried. For harvesting, it is recommended to use only fresh fruits. Prepared berries are placed in containers or bags for freezing and sent to the freezer. This method of storage preserves all the healing properties of the product.

Many connoisseurs of home preserves advise freezing currants with the addition of sugar and in the form of puree.

Freezing berries with the addition of sugar
Sugar is used in the process of freezing to preserve the crumbliness of berries. After defrosting, such fruits retain their shape and do not turn into a single ice block. It is recommended to prepare berries for freezing as follows:

1. The berries should be picked, rinsed and thoroughly dried on a paper towel, they should be completely dry.
2. Distribute the fruit in the chosen container for storage, it must be suitable for freezing. Prepared containers must be dry. You can use special bags.
3. Add sugar on top of the berries so that it evenly covers all the fruit.
4. Send it to the freezer.

Freezing the berry puree
For those who like to prepare a dessert in a hurry, an excellent way to store currants in the form of puree. It will be much easier to prepare a morsel or kissel from such raw materials.

Preparation of berries:

1. Select the freshest fruits. Thoroughly rinse and dry them.
2. Whip the berries in a blender or mincer.
3. Transfer the resulting blank in a dish, suitable for freezing. Silicone muffin tins or special freezer bags will work perfectly.
4. Send it to the freezer.

Frozen berries can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.

Defrost the berries gradually, so that they retain their shape. You should start the process from the freezer. If there is no extra time, you can use a microwave equipped with a defrosting mode. Just two minutes is enough to achieve the desired result.

What can be cooked from black currants: recipes

Berries have found a huge use in the preparation of dishes. They are actively used for cooking desserts, juices, compotes, jams and even honey. Their peculiarity lies in the ability to retain their useful properties even after the process of heat treatment and canning. The following are the recipes for the most interesting and easy-to-make delicacies.

Jam

Ingredients:

• berries - 500 g;
• sugar - 1 kg.

Method of preparation:

1. Convert berries into mush in a convenient way (blender, meat grinder, fork).
2. Add the granulated sugar and leave until the juice appears.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Sterilize the storage containers thoroughly, place the finished product in them and store in the cellar.

Kissel

Ingredients:

• black currants - 250 g;
• starch - 3 tbsp;
• sugar - 0,5 cup.

Method of preparation:

1. Wash the berries and, if possible, separate the seeds.
2. Prepared fruits send to a pan and pour 1 liter of water.
3. Boil on low heat for about 15 minutes.
4. The resulting broth pass through gauze and send back on the stove, add the starch in small portions and sugar.
5. Boil for a couple of minutes until dissolved.

Morses

Ingredients:

• currants - 200 g;
• granulated sugar - 6 tbsp;
• lemon - 1 pc.

Method of preparation:

1. Facilitate the preparation you can use a blender. It contains washed berries, lemon zest, sugar and 200 ml of boiling water.
2. Stir the mixture until homogeneous. Add another 800 ml of water and lemon juice.
3. Mix thoroughly. The resulting mass pass through a fine sieve.

The cooled morsel is ready for use.

Juice

Ingredients:

• berries - 1 kg;
• granulated sugar - 250 grams.

Method of preparation:

1. Rinse the berries, over-peel and dry on a kitchen towel.
2. Crush the fruit with a fork, whole berries should not be.
3. Add 150 ml of liquid and the sugar.
4. Then put it on the stove.
5. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Strain it through several layers of gauze.
7. Pour into sterilized jars for storage and seal with lids.

As a rule, the juice turns out a strong concentration, for this reason it is recommended to dilute it with water.

Compote

Ingredients:

• black currants - 900 g;
• granulated sugar - 0,5 kg.

Method of preparation:

1. Berries carefully sorted, washed and dried. In sterilized glass containers place currants, about 1/4 part.
2. Fruits pour boiling water and let stand for about 10 minutes.
3. Drain the water into a saucepan, add the sugar and bring to a boil.
4. Fill the container with the syrup and immediately close with a tight lid.

Smoothie

Smoothie is a thick drink made with fresh ingredients. To make a drink from currants, you can use both fresh berries and frozen.

Ingredients:

• berries - 150 g;
• milk - 30 ml;
• ice-cream - 50 gr.

Method of preparation:

1. Smoothie must be prepared with a blender, in the absence of the device, the process is much more complicated. Sort the berries, use the freshest fruit.
2. In the capacity of the device send washed and dried berries, milk and ice cream, the mass should be thoroughly whipped.
3. Variety the taste with honey or fruit syrup.

Mousse

Ingredients:

• fresh berries - 400 gr;
• granulated sugar - 300 gr;
• semolina - 5 tbsp.

Method of preparation:

1. Fresh fruit can be replaced by frozen. Convert the berries into a homogeneous mass, for this purpose a meat grinder, blender or usual fork will do.
2. Transfer the pulp to a saucepan and put on the stove, simmer for about 20 minutes. The resulting broth pass through gauze and pour back into the pot.
3. Add sugar and bring to a boil. Thinly pour in semolina and cook mousse for 10 minutes more.
4. Spread the mousse in decorative bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves. A pinch of cardamom will give the ready dish a unique piquancy.

Wine

Ingredients:

• berries - 2 kg;
• water - 1 l;
• sugar - 300 gr.

Method of preparation:

1. Crush the berries with a fork. The resulting mass winemakers call the mesga.
2. Add 500 ml of liquid and leave for 3 days.
3. After three days, strain it through gauze and add another 500 ml of water and sugar.
4. Pour the wine into sterilized containers, put a rubber glove on top of each and leave it to infuse for 35 days.
5. Pour the finished wine carefully, without affecting the sediment, and store in a dark, cool place.

Can animals be given black currants

Often in the composition of purchased pet food, you can see the content of currant extract. Involuntarily the question arises, but is it possible to treat a smaller brother with a fresh berry?

Currant extract is nothing more than the finely chopped leaves and fruits of the shrub. Most likely, manufacturers add preservatives, providing the longest storage time. Accordingly the usefulness of such an extract is very doubtful.

Fresh berries contain a huge number of useful substances, most importantly - they contribute to the removal of toxic and waste compounds. You can treat a pet to the fruit, but will they like the sour taste and unusual flavor? That is actually the question!

If the animal is happy to try a new treat, you should not overdo the amount of treats. It is important not to forget that currants can cause allergic reactions and are contraindicated for stomach problems and liver diseases, so you must first make sure that your pet is healthy. For these reasons, berries should be introduced gradually, starting with a few pieces.

With stool problems, you should not give the animal currants, the fruit of the shrub has a hardening effect, only aggravating the situation.

Why black currants are banned in the U.S.

In the last century, residents of North America were forbidden to grow a shrub with medicinal properties. Many residents of the United States had a hard time imagining what currant fruits looked and tasted like.

The ban was associated with the appearance of a fungus that destroys wood. After numerous studies, it was discovered that the parasitic microbes had originally appeared in shrubs of the genus Gooseberry. Environmentalists decided to exterminate all shrubs of the potentially dangerous family, which included blackcurrant.

Various methods were used to remove the plants. The shrubs were pulled out with the roots and set fires, but these methods did not have the desired effect. After a while, the tenacious shrubs began to grow rapidly, occupying vast new territories.

In the early 2000s, new research was conducted, which resulted in a decision to allow the cultivation of gooseberries, including black currants.

To this day, however, some states, such as Virginia and Massachusetts, prohibit the planting of bushes of the beneficial berries.

Interesting facts about black currants

1. The name of the berry comes from the old Russian word "currant," which means smell.
2. The shrub belongs to the gooseberry family and reaches up to 1.5 m in height.
3. Some people call currants the northern grape.
4. According to legend, the Moscow River was called Currant in ancient times because of the huge number of currant bushes growing on its banks.
5. Another name for currants was the monastery berry. This was promoted by the fact that bushes with medicinal berry grew on the territory of many monasteries.
6. Black currant contains 4 times more vitamin C than its red relative.
7. Unripe fruits contain 4 times more ascorbic acid.
8. The most useful berries grow in harsh conditions.
9. 25 grams of eaten berries satisfy the daily requirement of the body in ascorbic acid.
10. 10 currant berries and one whole lemon contain the same amount of ascorbic acid.
11. After harvesting the fruit, the amount of ascorbic acid in the leaves decreases by a factor of 10.
12. Black currant juice is used as a natural coloring agent in cooking. Cooked dishes take on a blue or purple hue depending on the amount of dye added.
13. Of all currants, black berries have the strongest aroma, this is due to the greatest content of essential oil in the fruit.
14. The fruit of the shrub has the ability to remove radioactive elements obtained by the body as a result of radiation exposure. This ability of berries was used to treat people affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
15. During freezing, the useful properties of berries are preserved.
16. Even honey is made from currants, which has no less useful properties than the bee's delicacy.
17. There was a ban on the cultivation of currant shrubs in the United States, which was partially lifted only in the 2000s. Many Americans for a long time had no idea about the taste and appearance of black currant fruits.
18. On the territory of Belarus, currant bushes occupy up to 40% of the areas used for sowing cultivated plants.
19. The fruits are able to eliminate dark circles under the eyes, relieve the skin from acne and pigmentation.
20. Decoctions and infusions of berries improve hair structure and growth.
21. Regular use of black currant fruits helps to strengthen the nails and improves visual acuity.
22. The life expectancy of the shrub is about 7 years.

Daily inclusion of berries in the diet strengthens protective functions and prevents the development of a huge number of diseases.

Blackcurrant photo